The Most Efficient Heatsink+Fan

[MACMAN]

Hey I want to build a new PC and was wondering what heatsink/fan to buy, i dont want to spend much money, in fact i was shooting for less than 100 for the CPU and heatsink/fan. I want to buy a MSI KT333 motherboard with an 1800+ XP. I am looking to overclock so if you guys could give me some suggestions on which heatsink/fan to buy it would be appreciated. Also Ive seen "cooling packs" at some online stores ranging from $25-36 they usually come with a Volcano 5, Shim (ive seen both copper and alluminum shims, which material is better?), and thermal paste; is that pack worthwhile for overclocking or should I look somewhere else for my cooling needs. Thanks :)

[beau_safken]

Sorry but F that pack...LOL If you get a OEM 1800+ that's about 70-80 dollars. Get an ThermalRight AX-7 heatsink and depending on your level of noise tolorance..A Delta 80 CFM or Tornado. AX-7 is probably the best price - preformance heasink for the AMD's. They run about 25 dollars bare and for another 5 bucks your could get an adjustable fan...Check SVComputercycle (http://www.svc.com) You should get the whole thing for about 34-35 dollars shipped. Spend the little extra...Your temps will drop a lot and your computer will love you. Then buy some Arctic Silver 3. Can get it for about 5-8 dollars a tube. Will drop temps 3-4C versus other thermal greases. Very easy and great to use. Get those and you'll be able to cool with a quickness. :)

[UnseenMenace]

You pretty much get what you pay for in this life and unfotunately great heatsinks such as the Millennium Thermal Glaciator 2 cost a little more than than other heatsinks. Theres a great review of heatsinks on the front page of overclockers.com and as for shims.. well my opinion is well known as being a Shim Hater but use the forum search to find out a more balanced view on this subject.

[dpw2atox]

I've heard mixed reviews about the SLK-800. I have a friend which says it worked really well but weighed so much that it ripped his socket a off the board. Anyone else have this problem? I'm also looking into a new hsf but want to make sure that I get a good one that also will not risk any damage to my computer.

[rlx220]

I just got the thermalright ax-7 w/ a delta 80mm fan the other day and my temps dropped significantly. I definitely recommend the ax-7

[Docta_Z]

Thermaltake Volcano 7+ with Adjustable speed control for P4/XP/T-Bird Load temps in XP 1900 stock, were 58 degrees and idle temp was 52 and then upon installing new hsf and overclocking 140 mhz, my load temp was 50 and my idle temp was 42. I call the significant. It's a little loud on high, but if your running stock, or a little overclocked, you can run it efficently on medium. Or whatever you want, because it comes with a little switch to choose speed... I think it's sweet.

[JFettig]

svc goldengate!
8bucks for one without a fan and 9 with a screemer, just get a non screemer or/and a 80mm adapter

www.svcompucycle.com

[GTA]

I'd get a nice Taisol, not the best HS/fan combo, but cheap and cheerfull, easy to mount.

If you find you need better cooling later on, 2 choices, replace the whole thing with an 80mm HSand fan, or get an 80-->60mm fan adapter, and use that with the taisol sink.

Otherwise, get a pal alpha or AX7 now, and you get the choice of exception performance ( 80mm delta ) at equally exceptional noise, or a nice quiet Ystech or papst.

Try overclocking on a cheap cooler first, then upgrade leter if you feel like it.

[Mekks]

go with ax7 they are elite :)

[ozzy0627]

I have and slk-800 and a pal 8045, it's really not that heavy. The slk-800 feels like it ways less and I get around 3 c better on temps. Kinda of salty though 50 bucks.